By Emmanuel Onwusoro, Ado-Ekiti
Friday November 29, 2024
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Ekiti State governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has enjoined philanthropists and other well-positioned individuals to contribute to the well-being and development of the state, saying that the government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility.
The governor made the appeal at the inauguration of the Senate Building donated by Chief Wole Olanipekun ( SAN) to the State-owned Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ikere-Ekiti.
He commended the legal icon, describing him as not only a blessing to Ikere and the entire country but to humanity, adding that every local government in the State would desire to have such two philanthropists and legal giants like Chief Afe Babalola and Chief Wole Olanipekun.
Oyebanji observed that Ekiti would be far better if it had more philanthropists like Afe Babalola and Wole Olanipekun because of their positive contributions to the State.
The governor asserted that Chief Wole Olanipekun and Aare Afe Babalola were the two greatest philanthropists ever produced in Ekiti. “If each Local Government in Ekiti State can have one of these great men, our problems would have been solved. I have never seen an individual who is committed to giving freely back to society like these two great men. We shall continue to celebrate, pray for you, and celebrate you at all times “.
“The infrastructure donation is a proving example of Chief Omolayo, who donated the first Senate building of the Ekiti State University (EKSU), and Aare Afe Babalola ( SAN), who donated the administrative block at the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti. I also donated to the General Hospital, Aramoko, where I was born, in honor of the memory of my mum. We all need to give back to our community for better Ekiti of our dream”
He reiterated that developing Ekiti should not rest on the government alone, as individuals can contribute something of interest to their communities and contribute significantly to the lives of the people.
“As a government, our administration understands the importance of education in the overall development of Ekiti state. Indeed, human capital development is one of the critical items in our shared prosperity agenda, as encapsulated in the six pillars of our administration. Our government remains committed to the continuous improvement of education infrastructure to facilitate a conducive learning environment at all levels of education”.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa believed that Olanipekun’s act of philanthropy goes beyond the physical structure being inaugurated.
According to him,” Olanipekun’s had sowed seeds of inspiration, reminding us all that no contribution is too great when it comes to the cause of education”.
The minister urged other well-meaning Nigerians, individuals, and organizations, to emulate the uncommon gesture of Chief Olanipekun. “Our society thrives when we come together to invest in our collective wellbeing and empower future generations.
Indeed, let this moment serve as a clarion call for all to support our educational institutions and ensure our youth have the best opportunities to excel. We are blessed to have a vibrant youth population that we must as a nation educate to become better citizens and contribute to growing our economy”.
The donor, Chief Olanipekun, said the building was in fulfillment of his promise to the institution.
As the pro-chancellor of BOUESTI, the legal luminary explained how the then governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi persuaded him to accept the offer to be the Chairman of the newly established State University of Science and Technology.
Going down memory lane, he expatiated, “On Monday, 5th February 2021, I received a call from the then Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, CON. After the exchange of pleasantries, he said: “Sir, I will want you to do me a favor, and I will appreciate it if you do not reject my plea”. My spontaneous response was, ‘As usual, Mr. Governor, I am prepared to do any favor for you, provided it is not illegal’. Even over the phone, I could sense the Governor breathe a sigh of relief.”
“Sir, given your vast experience in University administration over the years, particularly at the University of Ibadan and Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, I am pleading that you accept to serve as the pioneer Chancellor of the newly established State University in Ikere. In making this plea, we are convinced that it is you who would bring a lot of benefits and advantages to the University, and not the other way around. I am also not unaware that the position of Chancellor is an honorary and ceremonial one, but the fact remains that we need to leverage your name and reputation to advance the University.”
He said without allowing the governor to exhaust all he had, he accepted the offer and informed His Excellency that I would do anything, to enhance education, both in my nativity ― Ikere, and anywhere in Nigeria. The Governor concluded the discussion by saying, “Thank you, Sir. I am relieved; I was under a bit of trepidation before calling you; but having extracted this good news from you, do I have your permission to officially make the appointment public?” I retorted that he was free to go ahead. Thereafter, almost immediately, my name was announced as the pioneer Chancellor of the University, and the news was disseminated through print, electronic, and social media.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria informed that the facilities in the edifice are substantially modern by all standards and ramifications. “The executive summary of what the building contains is as follows: On the Ground Floor, we have the Reception, Security/Check-in Office, University Consult Office, Alumni Relations Office, Cleaners/Drivers’ Lounge, the two Deputy Vice-Chancellors’ Offices, Meeting Room, CSO’s Office, Janitors’ Unit, Changing Room, Utility and Storage Facilities, and four other offices”
On the First Floor are the Registrar’s Office as well as the Registry, three Offices for the Bursary, including the Bursar’s Office, the Senate Chambers (150-Capacity), the Senate Ante Room, and Utility and Storage Facilities.
The Second Floor houses the Vice-Chancellor’s Offices (two in number), the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, the Office of the Special Adviser to the Vice-Chancellor, the Chairman of the Governing Council’s Office, and the Secretary to the council
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